Tracy Baxter Reports: Plans afoot to boost Walkway's potential

Where most of us saw a fire-ravaged eyesore, a select few saw magnificent potential as they gazed up at the ruined remains of what was once the Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge.

This band of believers devised a plan to transform the decaying hulk into a pedestrian bridge that would span more than a mile, in the spot where trains once hauled freight high over the Hudson river.

No stone would be left unturned in the search for donations and grant money. Naysayers chuckled. No one is laughing now — not when the Walkway Over the Hudson has become one of the region's top tourist attractions.

Folks from all over have discovered it. Marriage proposals are made there. Wedding photos are taken. Nonprofits raising money for all sorts of worthy causes have made the Walkway their go-to venue.

The oft-repeated line from the baseball movie "Field Of Dreams" rang true: "If you build it, they will come."

This year, the state Department of Parks, which manages and maintains the Walkway, predicts more than a half million people will stroll, run, roller skate or walk their dogs from Highland to Poughkeepsie (or vice versa) and back again. Construction of a 21-story elevator, due to open next fall, figures to push attendance numbers even higher.

But while visitors marvel at the gorgeous views, what area tourism promoters want to see are dollar signs.

Trouble is, many of those who've been spending time enjoying the breathtaking valley scenery aren't spending much of what's in their wallets. Too many people drive off without sampling what else we have to offer.

That could change if a new marketing effort is able to turn the Walkway into a bona fide moneymaker.

A consulting company recently rolled out a branding plan that would create a Greater Walkway Region complete with exploration zone signs and smartphone app, directing walkers to places where they can shop, eat and be otherwise entertained once their Walkway experience is over. An existing brochure and website would get spruced up.

Of course, none of that will happen overnight, not during these times of fiscal belt-tightening.

A tip of the hat should go to those who never wavered in their quest to convert the old rail bridge into a top-notch draw. This model of engineering ingenuity — the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world — will be three years old tomorrow. And in an area hungry for tourist dollars, the financial potential needs to be maximized.

It was a cute idea to have 2,600 people show up at the Walkway last June to do the hokey pokey, breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest line of dancers.

But it would have been nice if, before departing, the dancers turned themselves around, visited a local business or two, and spent a few bucks.

Because that's what it's really all about.

tbaxter@th-record.com

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